Hey i just wanted to know if I should goto my regular doctor or a phsyciatrist to get medication for depression? I've been trying to deal with my depression problem for years now and i think it's time for me to finally start taking medication because other methods dont work anymore.

Any MD (or nurse practioner, in some states) can prescribe antidepressants, but if you have the option (i.e., if it's covered by insurance), go to a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is the most well-versed doctor in figuring out when antidepressants are needed, which one to chose, side effect issues (make sure you understand them before starting a prescription), dosages, etc. A psychiatrist can also help you in ways that most GPs don't have the knowledge, training, or time to. But if a psychiatrist is not a reasonable option, then by all means see your regular doctor.

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. -- MLK

I've never been to a phsyciatrist before but my friend who is depressed too has. He says it has helped him tremendously (he's already tried to kill himself twice) only thing is that his phsyciatrist is from school so its free. I goto a private institute that doesnt have one. What are the rates that they charge for visits?